A time-domain electromagnetic survey was conducted over the East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. The purpose of the survey was two-fold. First, the survey was intended to give greater insight into interpretation techniques of time-domain electromagnetic data. Secondly, a more complete picture of the geologic structure and hydrology of the Rift, with special emphasis on its geothermal potential, was to be gained.
To interpret the time-domain electromagnetic data, first the maximum-received voltages were converted to apparent resistivities and mapped. Next, the received transients were matched with a catalog of asymptotic curves. Then, theoretical layered-earth curves were calculated and the transients were again matched. Finally, use of a least-squares-fit computer program gave a more exact interpretation. Although the asymptotic curves have been calculated for no more than a three-layer case, the theoretical matching technique may be expanded to a greater number of layers.

Description:

A Thesis submitted to the Faculty and the Board of Trustees of the Colorado School of Mines in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysical Engineering.